Exploring the neural mechanism that regulates song preference learning in fruit flies

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03355
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Kamikouchi Azusa 名古屋大学, 理学研究科, 教授 (00525264)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ショウジョウバエ / 歌識別学習 / 抑制性神経伝達物質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this research project was to elucidate the neural mechanism that regulates song preference learning in Drosophila melanogaster. In particular, we focused on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and used molecular genetic techniques to narrow down the candidate GABAergic neurons responsible for this process. As a result, we discovered that only a few GABAergic neurons in the brain are essential for the establishment of song preference learning. Through the identification and functional inhibition of neurotransmitter receptors expressed in these neurons, we successfully identified the neurotransmitter groups received by these neurons. Additionally, we investigated inter-species differences in the neural mechanism of song preference and found that the response characteristics of a type of secondary auditory neuron differ between Drosophila melanogaster and its close relatives.

Free Research Field

神経行動学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

幼児は母語に触れることで、その言語が持つ音の特徴を識別する能力を発達させる。しかし、このような、特定のパターンを持つ音の識別能力がどのようにして経験に応じて発達するのか、その神経機構には不明な点が多い。近年我々が確立したショウジョウバエの歌識別学習パラダイムは、この課題に挑むための有効な実験モデルである。本研究課題ではその利点を存分に利用することで、この歌識別学習を成立させる神経機構の一端を明らかにした。さらに、歌識別を担う神経機構そのものの理解も進めた。今後、この成果をベースに次なる研究へと展開させることで、ヒトの言語発達を担うメカニズム理解の一助になると期待される。